The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could not continue its prosecution of a former governor of Ekiti Ayo Fayose on Friday after its major witness contracted COVID-19.
Mr Fayose is being tried on alleged N2.2billion fraud.
EFCC’s counsel Rotimi Jacobs told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he only became aware of the development on Thursday.
“The last session, I assured the court that my witness will be coming into Nigeria from abroad. The witness is in Nigeria. He contracted COVID-19.
“I have been monitoring the progress of his health. He is the main witness in this matter. I only became aware of his status yesterday, but he is unable to make it to court as I was informed that he is still very frail.
“The other witnesses whom I have contacted to come are unavailable. I have only one in court today. I intend to call four more witnesses,” he said.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke has adjourned the proceedings to January 28 and 29 for the continuation of the trial.
Fayose and a firm, Spotless Investment Limited, were first arraigned before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun (now retired) on October 22, 2018, for alleged criminal breach of trust, theft, and money laundering.
He was re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Justice Olatoregun at the instance of the EFCC.
